Build-A-Bear Foundation pledges its support for BookTrust’s #JustOneBook appeal

Published on: 12 December 2022

The Build-A-Bear Foundation has donated £50,000 to help us send festive book parcels to children who are vulnerable or in care at Christmas.

Pic: Kate Hindley

At a time when families tell us they will be spending less on gifts this Christmas, the Build-A-Bear Foundation has generously supported our #JustOneBook appeal, which aims to give disadvantaged children and those in care the gift of a festive book parcel this Christmas.

New research from BookTrust, conducted in partnership with YouGov, shows that 59% of parents have cut back on spending ahead of Christmas so they can afford to buy gifts for their children. Meanwhile, 62% of parents told us they'll be spending less this year on presents for their children.

Amidst a cost of living crisis, and with families facing tough decisions regarding their finances, Christmas may look very different for some this year.

Sharing stories and reading together with children has been proven to bring them wide-ranging benefits and for those children facing disadvantage, these benefits can be truly life-changing.

Pic: Kate Hindley

Thanks to the generous backing of supporters like Build-A-Bear Foundation, BookTrust is aiming to gift festive book parcels to 16,000 children who are vulnerable or in care across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Voin Todorovic, President, Build-A-Bear Foundation said: 'At Build-A-Bear Foundation, our core focus is to inspire creativity through children’s literacy programmes.

'Reading opens kids’ minds to new ideas and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of opportunities. We know that by partnering with BookTrust and their incredible network, we’ll ensure that more children have access to the tools they need to grow and thrive.'

BookTrust Chief Executive Diana Gerald said:

'Christmas is usually such an exciting time for children who celebrate it, but for those whose families are now having to make difficult financial decisions and are feeling the pressure of buying gifts, this year may be quite different.

'Thanks to the support of organisations like Build-A-Bear Foundation, we'll be able to ensure thousands of children can experience the joy of opening a present that is just for them and open the door to the world of joy, laughter and adventure that books can bring.'

Aaron, from Active Communities Network, one of the many organisations working with BookTrust to ensure the book parcels reach children most in need added:

'It can plant a seed. It is a gift that can have a domino effect. For many of these kids, they don't own many or any books. 

'By giving these books, it's often a starting point for them. It could instil a new enjoyment of reading, and they could go on to invest themselves in reading.'

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